Ford Repair: 2000 Ford Taurus Ball Joints, ball joints, ford taurus

Question
Jeff,
I am wanting to know if there are "special" tools needed to replace the Ball Joints on my 2000 Ford Taurus? I have tools at home but no special suspension type tools....does that make sense?? Firestone wanted $260 on labor alone. Thanks for any insight to how what is involved in this replacement.
Thanks. /dh

Answer
Hi Doug,
There is "NO WAY" ball joints on a 2000 Taurus should be bad yet unless you have over 100,000 miles on it!  But if you want to replace them, there are only 2 and they are located in the lower part of the spindle and have to be pressed in and out with special tools. You can usually rent a ball joint press but the whole spindle needs to be removed from the car to do it. That's why the labor is so high. Don't forget to get it aligned after the ball joints have been replaced!. GOOD LUCK

Jeff
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